Cyril Shing

Background

About Cyril Shing

Cyril Shing is an architectural design and educator with extensive international experience. After graduating from the Architectural Association (AA), he contributed to large-scale projects at Zaha Hadid Architects, where he pioneered digital design workflows and collaborative research environments. He began his academic career in 2006 at Chelsea College of Arts, University of the Arts London (UAL), securing multiple research grants to integrate digital design processes into architectural education. His innovative pedagogical approach has empowered students to achieve national and international design awards, with graduates now working at renowned practices including Zaha Hadid Architects, Norman Foster, Gensler, Unit 9, Holition, and Conran and Partners. In 2010, Cyril led a sustainable design research project—the S_pavilion—constructed from 200 pieces of obsolete Speedo LZR Racer swimsuits. The pavilion was featured at the London Design Festival and is now exhibited at the CASS Sculpture Park in Goodwood. Currently, Cyril is a Senior Lecturer at Kingston University, where he continues to advance design education through digital innovation and industry collaboration. He maintains an active architectural consultancy, delivering projects with a focus on integrating digital workflows and research-informed practice. He fosters strong partnerships with industry leaders such as Arup, Exploration Architecture, Wilkinson Eyre, Eden Project, the Architectural Association, and BFI London, which enrich student learning through collaborative projects. This commitment earned him the UAL Teaching Award in 2013. As part of the Creative Works London Residency, Cyril collaborated with multimedia practice World Wilder Lab on the experimental project PlaNET, exhibited at Somerset House. This experience inspired his UAL-funded StartHUB project, which explores entrepreneurship within undergraduate curricula. His current research investigates digital platforms, including virtual reality, to transform collective student learning experiences. Cyril is experienced in securing research funding and regularly presents his work internationally, including in the UK, China, the USA, and Slovenia.